The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is Disney's most beloved seasonal event. From late summer through November, the World Showcase promenade adds 25+ food and beverage marketplaces serving small plates from countries around the world. For food lovers, this is the best time of year to visit EPCOT, possibly Disney World as a whole.
When the Festival Runs (2026 Dates Coming Soon)
The festival typically runs late August through mid-November. Specific 2026 dates haven't been announced yet but Disney usually confirms in early summer. The festival overlaps with EPCOT's Halloween season and the early weeks of the holiday season.
How Food and Wine Festival Works
Throughout World Showcase, additional kiosks ("marketplaces") are set up between the country pavilions. Each marketplace serves small plates and signature drinks, usually 2 to 4 items per booth. You walk around, sample items as you go, and pay individually at each marketplace.
- Each item typically costs $5 to $10
- Most items are small portions, intended as a sampling
- Alcohol pours are smaller than full pours, intended for sampling
- Disney Dining Plan does NOT cover festival items (cash, credit, or MagicBand only)
The Best Marketplaces (Don't Miss These)
Hawaii
Almost universally rated as the best festival booth year after year. The Kalua pork slider with sweet and sour chutney is the festival's most popular single item.
Refreshment Outpost (between Germany and China)
Classic festival booth with rotating menu. Often features impressive frozen drinks.
Belgium
Belgian waffles with berries and ice cream. A festival classic.
Greece
Lamb sliders, chicken souvlaki, baklava. Heavy, satisfying, share-worthy.
Brazil
Pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) and feijoada. Authentic, generous portions.
Coastal Eats (sometimes appears at the American Adventure)
Lobster roll, clam chowder, classic American festival fare done well.
Japan
Skewers, ramen, and excellent sake selection.
The Best Drink Strategy
Each country offers its signature beers, wines, and cocktails. Plan to sample 4 to 6 drinks across a full festival day. Some highlights:
- Mexico: Frozen margaritas, especially at La Cava del Tequila inside the pavilion
- Germany: Beer flight at Sommerfest. Classic Hofbräu and Spaten options.
- Italy: Wine flight at Tutto Italia or wine bar
- France: Boulangerie Patisserie's pastries paired with French wine
- UK: The Yorkshire County Fish Shop has the best beer selection in EPCOT
The Eat-Your-Way Strategy
- Don't eat breakfast. Or eat a very light one. You're about to consume 8 to 12 small plates and several drinks across 4 hours.
- Start at one end of World Showcase and work your way around. The walk between marketplaces is critical for digestion.
- Share everything. Couples or families of 4 can share each plate and try double or triple the variety.
- Don't try to do all 25+ marketplaces. Pick your top 8 to 10 to actually enjoy. Hit favorites, skip the ones that don't interest you.
- Pace yourself with drinks. Sample 1 to 2 drinks per marketplace, not everything. You're walking around in Florida sunshine, hydrate.
- Bring water bottles. Disney provides free ice water at any quick-service counter, including festival marketplaces.
Special Events Within the Festival
The festival also includes:
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Daily live music performances at the America Gardens Theatre. Different bands every few days. Schedule released a few weeks in advance.
- Premium tasting events: Wine tastings, beer tastings, and special chef events at additional cost. Usually $75 to $300 per person.
- Cooking demos: Free demonstrations from chefs throughout the festival, schedules at the festival kiosks.
What This Trip Looks Like for a Couple
A typical day at EPCOT during Food and Wine for two adults:
- 10 food items @ $7.50 average = $75 (split between two, so 5 plates each)
- 4 drinks each = $48
- Souvenir Festival Passport ($10 to keep track of stops)
- Festival day total for two: approximately $135
Add park tickets ($120 to $190 per person) and a hotel stay and you have an exceptional couples' trip.
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